Local women advocates said the expanded Violence Against Women Act signed into law Thursday is a victory for women everywhere.

"Additional funds, supportive services and victims are important and critical because we know that we're often missing particular populations," said Tania Araya with the group Women's Advocate.

The new law will specifically help women living on Indian reservations. It gives American tribes the authority to prosecute non-Indians who commit domestic violence crimes while on a reservation.

"This is really important. Instead of expecting victims to leave their tribal lands to receive services and support, they can receive it there and we know that most victims are more often looking for support in their own communities," Araya said.

Another part of the bill is especially important in Maryland where same-sex marriage recently became legal. It designates that programs specifically geared toward lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender victims of domestic violence are eligible for funding.

"This is a particular population that for many years has not received the kinds of services they deserve and they're victims just like anyone else often times," Araya said. "Often times, victims, who are LGBT, are fearful of seeking help because they are often afraid of outing themselves and often times, abusers use that."

Overall, Araya said women everywhere should be proud that this bill is now a law, helping protect and support women across the country.

"This is some critical stuff here so it was scary for a while when it looked like it wouldn't pass, but any supportive services and funding for victims of domestic or dating violence, or even sexual violence is really critical," Araya said.